The Abia State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has backed lawmaker Amobi Godwin Ogar, saying he remains focused on his duties despite his ongoing legal case involving former minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
The party said it consulted with Hon. Ogar and found him determined to continue his legislative duties.
The State Publicity Secretary, Comrade Iroegbu Emenike, said the lawmaker remains committed to representing the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency.
The LP assured constituents and Abians that Ogar will continue to focus on lawmaking, constituency development, and protecting the mandate given to him in the 2023 general election.
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday ordered that Ogar remain at Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, over alleged criminal defamation and false declaration charges.
Justice Yusuf Halilu issued the order after the lawmaker appeared before the court following his arrest.
The committal order dated June 24 stated that Ogar will remain in custody until July 6, 2026, when the case will continue.
The court document titled “Warrant of Commitment to Prison” directed the Kuje prison officer to keep Ogar in custody until further court orders. The case is listed as Charge No. CR/650/2024.
The Federal Government filed a five-count charge against Ogar on July 31, 2024, over alleged criminal defamation and false declaration.
The prosecution accused him of making a false declaration in an affidavit dated May 18, 2023, at the FCT High Court registry in Abuja, involving Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, who was then Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
The prosecution alleged that Oga claimed Onyejeocha told supporters at her residence that she had “bought over” tribunal judges, including Hon. Justice Halima Saleeman. It stated that he knew the claim was false.
In an addition, the second count accused Ogar of making another false and defamatory statement in the same affidavit.
The statement allegedly claimed Onyejeocha influenced the removal of a former panel chairman, Hon. Justice Halilu, to favour Hon. Justice Halima Saleeman.
The prosecution said the allegations amounted to offences under relevant sections of the Penal Code, Cap. 89, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1963.
Count five also accused Ogah of making a false declaration against Onyejeocha with the intention of damaging her reputation.
External sources:
Federal Capital Territory High Court
National Assembly of Nigeria
